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SD 2576

An Act eliminating no cost calls for violent incarcerated individuals

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ryan Fattman

Massachusetts bill eliminates free calling privileges for incarcerated individuals convicted of violent crimes, potentially restricting family contact and legal communications.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 2576

Legislative bill overview

SD 2576 proposes eliminating no-cost calling services for incarcerated individuals classified as having committed violent offenses. Currently, many correctional facilities provide free phone calls to inmates as part of rehabilitation and family connection programs. This bill would restrict that access specifically for those convicted of violent crimes.

Why is this important

Phone access affects incarcerated individuals' ability to maintain family relationships, coordinate legal representation, and prepare for reentry—factors research links to lower recidivism. The bill raises questions about whether communication restrictions serve public safety goals or primarily generate revenue for prison phone systems, which earn substantial commissions from collect calls.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional due process concerns: Restricting communication rights as punishment beyond sentencing may face legal challenges regarding access to counsel and family contact
  • Revenue generation motive: Prison phone systems generate significant revenue; critics argue this bill prioritizes profit over rehabilitation and penalizes families of incarcerated people for crimes they didn't commit
  • Definition of "violent": The bill's scope depends on how "violent offenses" are defined—this could affect hundreds or thousands of individuals and require clarification during committee review

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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